Press Release
September 30, 2007

ROXAS WELCOMES DTI ACTION ON GAME SHOWS
CITES BETTER COORDINATION BETWEEN GOV'T AND NETWORKS

Senator Mar Roxas commended the Department of Trade and Industry for firmly pursuing stronger universal standards for the regulation of game shows, even as the DTI continues with its pertinent consultations.

"I appreciate the cooperation extended by the different television networks including the writers and producers of 'Wowowee,' to the DTI on how to firm up the guidelines for consumer protection in game shows," Roxas said.

The August 20 "Wilyonaryo" incident resulted in specific complaints regarding a purported design flaw in the unveiling of numbers. ABS-CBN informed the DTI that it has engaged the services of a reputable accounting and auditing firm to strengthen their internal monitoring of game shows.

During a meeting between Senator Roxas and DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya at the Senate on September 4, 2007 , Roxas asked the Department to serve as the Senate trade committee's "investigative arm" on the said incident.

Since then, Maglaya's team had requested data not just from ABS-CBN but other networks such as ABC and GMA, on their list of game shows and the mechanics as well as prizes involved.

"I commend Usec Maglaya and her team for doing a good job in leading this fact-finding effort. We will await the formal report of her panel," Roxas said, adding that the DTI fact-finding reports will guide the Senate trade and commerce committee on whether or not a hearing is still needed.

He also expressed appreciation for the participation of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas in an expanded panel created by the DTI to look into the conduct of game shows.

"Positive results have since come out of the 'Wilyonaryo' controversy. The DTI is now taking the lead in promoting fair play and consumer rights particularly for game show contestants and home viewers. The networks recognize the role and objectives of the DTI as overseer of consumer rights and are cooperating with government in this regard," he said.

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